The day after Scotland-France, this Ireland-Italy will also be the match after, for the XV of Clover.
Superb winners for the Blues on the first day of the Tournament a week ago (17-38), the Irish will want to confirm against the supposedly weakest team in the competition, this Sunday February 11 in Dublin.
In search of a second Grand Slam in a row in this Six Nations 2024, which would constitute an unprecedented back-to-back in this area, Andy Farrell's men are moving forward armed with certainties.
Read alsoSix Nations Tournament 2024: results and ranking of the Six Nations
Those of their playing mechanics, perfectly oiled, of their outfit at the Aviva Stadium, as well as their confidence, they who knew how to recover from an elimination in the quarter-final of the World Cup against the All Blacks (24- 28).
Opposite, Italy is coming off a defeat against the XV de la Rose conceded at home (24-27).
But the Transalpines, authors of a good performance, will not present themselves as expiatory victims in the capital of Green Erin.
Now led by Gonzalo Quesada, the former coach of Stade Français, the Squadra Azzurra will try to respond through play to the challenge of possession and occupation of Caelan Doris (captain for the first time), Ciaran Frawley, or James Lowe .
To do this, they will be able to count on the return of Ange Capuozzo, the influence of Federico Ruzza in the second line, or the legs of first center Tommaso Menoncello.
Ireland-Italy kicks off on Sunday February 11 at 4 p.m. on France 2.